Just two hours away from Toronto located in the heart of Muskoka is the Town of Bracebridge. It has a permanent population of 16 thousand, but doubles in size during the summer months with cottage country residents. The town has a diverse economy with strong construction, hospitality, and professional values. If you’re looking for a place to find a cottage that will surround you with endless recreation opportunities, lakefront residences, or a vibrant but quaint town to settle in, Bracebridge is a perfect place.
Bracebridge is easily accessible for those traveling from the South. You take highway 400 all the way to Barrie and then follow signs for Highway 11 to Bracebridge. For those who rely on public transit to move about the town, Bracebridge has a 22-kilometer route throughout the town’s urban core that runs on an hourly schedule.
There are plenty of elementary and high school options within Bracebridge. Some elementary school options are Bracebridge Public School, Macauley Public School, or Monsignor Michael O’leary School. Both secondary school options Bracebridge and Muskoka Secondary School and St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School are both highly successful secondary schools in the Muskoka region ranking in the top third of schools on the Fraser Institute ranking system. Childcare options are also easily accessible in the town. Bracebridge Children’s Place and Macauley Tree House Day Nursery are just two daycare options that are located in a central location to the rest of the town.
The Muskoka region is not limited in recreation opportunities making Bracebridge a desirable location for cottages. Boaters have no shortage of docks and boat launches in the area as there are several located throughout the town, such as the Muskoka Falls boat launch and the Bracebridge Bay Wharf which is an overnight dock.
You will also find an abundance of green space for kids and families to enjoy throughout the town. Annie Williams Memorial Park has an unsupervised swimming area, an amphitheater that hosts entertainment during the summer months, a playground, and picnic tables making it the perfect spot to spend the day. In the wintertime, residents can enjoy an outdoor skating rink which is made here by town workers. For sports enthusiasts, James W Kerr Park is a great spot having a baseball field, three different tennis courts, and a pickleball court that are readily available.
For those who enjoy walking, Strawberry Point Trail is a popular recreational trail that follows country lanes and wooded areas towards a panoramic view of Lake Muskoka. Another network of trails is the Bracebridge Resource Management Centre Trail which boasts over 22 kilometers. These trails can also be used in the wintertime for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking.
The Town of Bracebridge also hosts a variety of local events and festivals. Their more notable festival is an annual event that will celebrate their 60th year this year, the Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show. This is the largest craft show in the Muskoka region boasting over 200 artisans that showcase their products each year.
If you’re looking for some family fun Santa’s Village is a four-season destination that has plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied. There’s a small amusement park, campground, bakery, and restaurant for you to get the whole Christmas experience all year round. The High Falls Waterpark is also a popular seasonal destination. It’s a unique eco-conscious beachfront waterpark with a small sandy area on a private lake that faces three different waterfalls.
Lastly, Downtown Bracebridge is a beautiful place to be all year round and hosts some unique local shops and restaurants. You can find shops anywhere from clothing stores to accessories, bridal to footwear, wellness, and culture as you walk along Manitoba Street. Not only is the downtown area a vibrant shopping center, but Downtown Bracebridge also has some of the best restaurants you’ll find in the Muskoka region. If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy dinner out, the Old Station restaurant is very popular among residents and visitors for its delicious food and friendly atmosphere.
The Town of Bracebridge is a great place to live and raise a family or escape on the weekends from the city. You can find beautiful cottages and lakefront residences, and there are plenty of recreational opportunities.
-The BDAR Team